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UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians have the expertise and medical resources needed to accurately diagnose and effectively treat emphysema. More than three million Americans have been diagnosed with emphysema, and our specialists will provide patients with access to the most effective treatments available.

Tests and Exams

A team approach provides patients access to the expertise needed to accurately diagnose and treat their emphysema. UT Southwestern’s pulmonologists will precisely determine the best course of action for patients’ diagnosis and treatment, and offer the most advanced health-care options available in a caring and compassionate environment.

Treatment

 Emphysema develops gradually, and patients may experience increasing symptoms, such as shortness of breath during exercise or normal activity. With emphysema, the lungs lose their elasticity and are less able to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream.

Our emphysema specialists can help patients reduce their symptoms, live more comfortably and slow or prevent the progression of emphysema. Our physicians and researchers will advise patients on the actions to reduce symptoms, including smoking cessation. Quitting smoking is the single most important factor in relieving emphysema.

Our specialists will prescribe a variety of therapies to help patients control their emphysema, which, depending on their condition, may include bronchodilator drugs, antibiotics, exercise, steroids or surgery.

Patient Education

In severe cases of emphysema, UT Southwestern surgeons can perform lung volume reduction surgery. The surgery involves removing the diseased portions of the lung, which allows the remaining portions of the lungs to function more effectively.

The most severe cases of emphysema may be eligible for lung transplant surgery. Over a recent 30-month period, our lung transplant program was rated the best in the nation for achieving the highest survival rate for one-year post-transplant patients. Since the lung transplant program began in 1990, it has consistently ranked among the top 10 in the United States.

For more information, please visit the Health Library.